ASTM A335 P9 Base Tube
Grade | UNS Designation | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | Mo | Other |
P9 | K90941 | 0.15 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.025 | 0.025 | 0.25-1.0 | 8.0-10.0 | 0.9-1.1 | . . . |
A335 P9 Solid Fin Tube FAQ
1. What is SA335 P9 Solid Fin Tube?
- SA335 P9 is a seamless ferritic alloy-steel pipe (9% Cr, 1% Mo) with integrally welded or extruded fins to enhance heat transfer. It’s used in high-temperature/pressure environments like boilers, heaters, and heat exchangers.
2. What are the key properties of SA335 P9?
- High-temperature strength (up to ~600°C / 1112°F)
- Excellent creep & oxidation resistance
- Good weldability (pre/post-weld heat treatment required)
- Resistance to sulfidation & thermal fatigue
3. Where are SA335 P9 fin tubes commonly used?
- Power plants (superheaters, reheaters)
- Refineries (fired heaters, reformers)
- Petrochemical (ethylene crackers, heat recovery units)
- Waste heat boilers (recovering exhaust gas energy)
4. Why choose solid fins over helical/embedded fins?
- Higher durability (no risk of fin separation)
- Better heat transfer (continuous metal bond)
- Suitable for extreme thermal cycling
5. What are the ASTM/ASME standards for SA335 P9 fin tubes?
- Base Tube: ASTM SA335 P9 (seamless pipe)
- Fin Tube: Typically complies with ASME B36.10M (dimensions), ASTM A213 T9 (tube equivalent)
- Testing: Hydrostatic, ultrasonic (UT), eddy current (ET) per ASTM A450
6. How are SA335 P9 fin tubes manufactured?
- Base tube: Hot extruded/seamless cold-drawn
- Solid fins: Machined/welded integrally
- Extruded fins: Cold-formed from base metal
- Heat treatment: Normalized & tempered for stress relief
7. What are the temperature & pressure limits?
- Max temp: ~600°C (long-term), up to 650°C (short-term)
- Pressure rating: Varies by wall thickness (e.g., 1000+ psi for typical power plant applications)
8. How does SA335 P9 compare to P11, P22, or P91?
Grade | Cr Content | Mo Content | Max Temp | Key Advantage |
P9 | 9% | 1% | 600°C | Balanced cost/performance |
P11 | 1.25% | 0.50% | 550°C | Better weldability |
P22 | 2.25% | 1% | 575°C | Common in refineries |
P91 | 9% | 1% + V,Nb | 650°C | Superior creep strength |
